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[garrettendi]

I have a Behringer UMC204HD which uses USB 2.0 and I plan to get a new synth that uses USB 2.0 as well.

The problem is I have only one 2.0 port on my PC, and three 3.0 ports.

Would I need to get a USB 2.0 hub to make this work?

[garrettendi]

It appears the UMC204HD is already configured to work with USB 3.0 ports. I'll test it and report back, as that would free up my 2.0 port for the synth

[Logarhythm]

Should work in theory - USB is supposed to be backwards compatible, and I've been running my Tascam USB2 interface on a USB3 port since building this PC without any issues.
TBH I'd try plugging the interface into a USB3 port and see what happens

[garrettendi]

Now that you mention it I'm pretty sure I used the UMC on the left side which only has USB 3.0 so that should be ok. I'll give it another check later this week.

[blinddrew]

Theoretically they are completely back-compatible, and I've never heard of anyone having a problem using a 2.0 device on a 3.0 socket.
Someone like Pete Kaine or Martin Walker might have some direct examples?

[CS70]

I have a Behringer UMC204HD which uses USB 2.0 and I plan to get a new synth that uses USB 2.0 as well.

The problem is I have only one 2.0 port on my PC, and three 3.0 ports.

Would I need to get a USB 2.0 hub to make this work?

No. USB3 contains USB2.

[James Perrett]

I've only recently realised that I've got USB3 sockets on this laptop (the inserts are black which normally denotes USB2 while USB3 should be blue) so I've been plugging all kinds of old USB things into them with no problems.

[ConcertinaChap]

No. USB3 contains USB2.

This is exactly and literally right. A USB 3 port contains both USB 2 and 3 circuitry. Which one is used depends on what is plugged into it. The reason for this is to ensure each port on a USB 3 hub runs at the maximum speed the peripheral can handle. So by definition there can't be a compatibily issue plugging USB 2 kit into a USB 3 prt.

CC

[zenguitar]

Yep, I have a WD USB3 external hard drive that was bundled with a USB3 to USB2 short adaptor cable and works perfectly connected to my USB2-equipped laptop.

I've tried searching for similar cables for you but struggled. There does appear to be a naming issue because I've found cables that look just like the one supplied with my WD external drive but are described differently.

This cable looks like it has the same connectors as the one I have, but the description doesn't make it clear that it is what you want.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ugreen-10840-C ... sb+2+cable

Have a look at the photo and see the connectors match your hardware.

Andy

[ef37a]

Yes, should be fine, I have used my NI KA6 on a USB 3.0 port no bother.

AIs generally don't work well on or even at all on hubs ( the KA6 is an exception) but a hub is always worth having. Probably get a USB 3. jobbie and make sure it is of the powered variety . You don't always need the power but when you do, you do IYSWIM!

Pay a decent but not silly amount for one.

Dave.

[Pete Kaine]

Theoretically they are completely back-compatible, and I've never heard of anyone having a problem using a 2.0 device on a 3.0 socket.
Someone like Pete Kaine or Martin Walker might have some direct examples?

Yeah, some older audio interfaces have been picky. Normally you just plug them in one of the few remaining USB 2 ports around the rear and it's job done.

In op's case, I've not had the Behringer to test it, but the keyboard should be fine in the USB3 port regardless.

[Martin Walker]

Theoretically they are completely back-compatible, and I've never heard of anyone having a problem using a 2.0 device on a 3.0 socket.
Someone like Pete Kaine or Martin Walker might have some direct examples?

As Pete has already echoed, I've not personally heard of any problems/limitations when operating USB 2.0 devices in 3.0 sockets.

I would be most surprised if there were any such issues with audio interfaces, although it remains entirely feasible that some company has managed to bypass USB guidelines in some way for some obscure reasons of their own


Martin

[garrettendi]

Thanks guys, sorry for the late response.

I reckon you guys are all correct, I'll try the Berry on the USB 3 ports to check, and I'll assume for now the synth I have my eye on can use USB 3 as well, although I would have the USB 2 port free if needed.

The reason I got to asking this, is because the synth manual states you should not use a USB 3 cable with the synth.

Specifically, it's the Yamaha reface CS.

(Yes I know this is more of a toy than a synth, but I really like it)

[James Perrett]

The reason I got to asking this, is because the synth manual states you should not use a USB 3 cable with the synth.

That's because a USB3 cable won't physically fit into a USB2 connector at the synth end - the device end of a USB3 cable is larger to carry the extra pins.

[garrettendi]

I did wonder if that might be the case! Thanks!